Experiential Science 11 (ES11) is an academic program with a central science theme. Integrating Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Phys. Ed., Visual Art, and Applied skills, it provides opportunities to extend the positive learning environment within and beyond the classroom and create innovative learning experiences. The challenges of the ES11 program help young people to grow intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and culturally. Field studies focus on science activities, resource management issues, data collection of ongoing research studies, and a variety of student projects.

Program structureA fluid program structure provides a unique learning opportunities. Features include:

· Customized, flexible timetables within the school day so that the lessons rather than the bell drive learning activities.

· Hands-on, real-life learning experiences and a variety of other teaching and learning strategies to engage self-directed learning and critical thinking.

· Activities and lessons that meet objectives for more than one course – for example, a students might:

Research a specific inter-tidal zone (biology and geography.)

Hike to an ocean beach and discuss land and water features along the way (geography, applied skills, and physical education.)

Apply that learning in the field to sketch and count invertebrates (visual art and biology) and gather samples of water.

Return to the lab to observe the relative acidity, dissolved O2 (chemistry) and determine the water quality and ways to improve it (applied skills/biology.)

A significant part of Experiential Science 11 revolves around one major field trip. The sixteen students are accompanied by their teacher and a chaperone as they travel by school bus and ferry to Vancouver Island and Southeast Alaska for approximately three and a half weeks.